Chapter 98 (1/2)

On Friday, Shi Yan waited for the letter before he went home. On his journey back, he had already ruminated over hundreds of ideas in his head, and every one of them revolved around He Nuo. He managed to arrive at his school the moment classes ended. When He Nuo walked out of the school, he merely nodded when he saw Shi Yan and gave him an almost imperceptible smile before he continued walking forward. Shi Yan was so angry that he strode over and pulled He Nuo away, while the latter said earnestly, “What’s the matter? Let’s talk as we walk ba, I have several papers I need to finish tonight. Laoshi will be going through the answers tomorrow, so they can’t be delayed.”

“I have something to ask you.”

“Un, what is it?”

“Did you hook up with someone else?”

When He Nuo heard that, he paused, then answered Shi Yan, “I don’t quite understand why you’re standing here? And what I don’t understand even more is why you’re asking such a question? But I do want to tell you, Shi Yan, I’m very thankful that you gave me the opportunity to resume classes. If it’s not too much to ask, is it okay if you don’t take this chance back? The college entrance examination is in 40 days, my time is really tight with my studies. If you don’t agree to giving me this opportunity, I can return it to you1; but if you agree to my request, I would like to focus on the examination. I don’t want it to be like last year when I had to hear and see some baffling affairs.”

Shi Yan’s heart had been lingchi-ed2 by He Nuo’s words. This busy and clear person was making a humble request — since when has He Nuo ever pleaded with someone like this before? Or rather, since when has He Nuo ever made a request before?

All of the hatred in his sea of rage and the malicious rebukes he wanted to utter became groundless as it vanished. What replaced them were feelings of guilt: he didn’t give He Nuo the chance to resume classes, he was the one who caused him to resume classes.

“Do you agree (to give me this opportunity)?” He Nuo’s voice softened, “I won’t have another chance after this.”

Shi Yan stared at He Nuo and didn’t say anything as his heart ached for him. After the first time Shi Yan applied medicinal cream for him, he couldn’t bear to let He Nuo suffer any grievances or harm anymore, so He Nuo’s words were undoubtedly like a barbed whip that was flogging Shi Yan.

He didn’t get Shi Yan’s reply, so He Nuo seemed to become a little nervous. He tried to do his best for the sake of his future, “I really cherish this chance to resume classes. Studying can be quite arduous, I’ve been working very hard. I, for our first mock examination, I was ranked 2nd; in May I was ranked 1st,” This kind of bragging made He Nuo’s face flush red with unease, “So, I’m a bit reluctant to give it up. I, I’d like to ask you, to please, please agree,” He Nuo’s voice was trembling as he wasn’t used to making requests.

“Nuonuo, Nuonuo.” Shi Yan hugged him tight. If his previous words had carved out bloody wounds in Shi Yan’s heart; then his latter words kneaded and crushed his bleeding heart into mush. Shi Yan felt like being turned into dust wouldn’t hurt as much as the pain he was feeling right now, “Nuonuo, you’ll definitely pass! Definitely!”

He Nuo pushed Shi Yan away and took two steps back, “Thank you, I’ll repay you after I’m done being busy for the next forty days.” He Nuo gave Shi Yan a bow before he turned around and left.

With an empty embrace and outstretched hands, Shi Yan turned utterly silly.